Die-hard Barko stans would maybe villainize Olson to victimize him whenever they would encounter their ship. I would love to know the positive dynamic of barkolson, and see a side where both could benefit from each other whenever they’re together lol. I know their relationship might be rocky and a tad toxic but I’m interested on how Olson’s self-isolation tendencies affect them + barko’s obvious mental health issues.
ANOTHER BARKOLSON ASK??? And on a topic i think deeply about concerning them??? Idk if this is the same anon but ty guys for these questions!!!
I think their mental health is a very big part of their relationship and how they develop their understanding of eachother and it. And their development of their attitudes towards eachother’s mental health can be a positive aspect of their relationship.
To me, both Gary and Hank are guys who do have mental health issues, but because of the way they’re raised, they don’t try to acknowledge it or willingly admit they have these issues. (I could say more on my personal thoughts as to why, but I want to keep on track with the asks)
Coz they kind of have opposite issues. Hank who self isolates vs. Gary who pleas for attention even if he does it negatively. Hank who disassociates vs. Gary’s intense emotional breakdowns. Yet in the end both boys end up pleaing for connection in their final moments. They’re different, but end up on the same path. It’s a cause for both of them to clash and relate to eachother at the same time!! (Their narrative foils r showing guys!!)
As to how this affects their relationship? It’s a common ground between the and ik I said it can be a positive, but it can also cause contention.
Coz Gary doesn’t understand why someone so socially connected like Hank would ever isolate from his friends. And Hank who has Gary needling at him for every little thing, when he just needs to be alone. It can be frustrating for them cause it seems like the other doesn’t get it. They react too differently.
When they argue and Hank gets quiet leading him to ignore Gary. Gary’s paranoia getting the best of him leading him to blowing up and throw accusations at Hank.
But I think the fact they react so differently is what can help them. They struggle to find help for themselves, but they can recognise the other does need help. I’m not saying that they’d suggests the other goes to therapy immediately or are suddenly therapists, but it gives them ground to have a conversation and open up to eachother
“I don’t get why you want to be alone when you’ve got all these fucking friends”
“Yeah? Well I don’t get why you treat everyone like shit if friends is all you want”
Their differing attitudes can give the other insights they hadn’t previously considered before. Hank showing Gary that not everyone is out to get him. Gary showing Hank that he doesn’t have to deal with things alone. They can grow with each other u know? And once they begin to understand eachother I can see them being more attentive to eachothers small tells.
Gary pulling Hank aside when he can tell Hank is getting affected by smthing. Learning to hang out with Hank even when Hank doesn’t want to talk. Hank quietly reassuring Gary that he isn’t being made fun of. Hank helping direct conversations so that Gary doesn’t instantly assume the worse
Hank and Gary both know what it’s like to mentally struggle.
Tbf most of the boys do, but I think the fact it’s smthing they struggle to admit with themselves and they know what that’s like helps them feel more comfortable opening up to each other. “We’re both fucked so let’s make it each other’s problem” Which then helps them open up to their friends.
It’s like they get to see the worst parts of eachother and instead of running away (okay they might at first) They still come back.
Coz Hank can see that Gary can genuinely be funny and does want to make friends and Gary can see that even tho Hank always makes jokes, sometimes he can be hiding more than he lets on. They can recognise parts of themselves that help them bond and grow. They don’t mean to do so, but it just happens.
I think that even tho their relationship can start off rocky and toxic, they have as much of a chance to grow and learn from each other!!! So I guess thats the benefit they get from being with eachother. They have someone who can really understand how they feel deep down and help them navigate through it building that stronger connection with eachother and develop their character
Hopefully that answered ur ask! I feel like I derailed a bit but these r my primary thoughts abt it. I hoped I worded it well? I have so many fanfic ideas and drawing ideas that explore this topic specifically and could talk abt this more, but gaaaah. U know when there’s so many things u want to do it gets hard to pick just one?
Anyways there’s a BarkOlson fic on Ao3 called “I Hope you’re dreaming of me!” that sort of explores Hank’s POV on Gary and seeing him a buy more deeply than he initially thought. It sort of explores this ask? But it also just a very cute fic
